NOTES for Jdg 4:1-24
Israel has once again fallen away from its Lord, and once again the result is an inability to repel an enemy invasion. This time enslavement comes from a Canaanite king: the Canaanite pagans, once defeated, take revenge on the Israelites who have forgotten their Defender.
This time God’s help has an important distinctive feature. By calling the prophetess Deborah to be a judge, the Lord showed the importance of women’s role both in society and in Church ministry. The struggle that began with Deborah’s call ended with the blow struck by Jael.
According to modern ethical ideas, Jael’s act should be called treacherous: she killed Sisera, who trusted her, in his sleep, violating the customs of hospitality. But Deborah had warned Barak about this as well. By doubting his ability to fight without Deborah present, he not only failed to receive the glory he desired, but also denied his enemy the death of a warrior.